"I am very fond of the City of Chicago," he told El Caribe. "It will always be in my heart. Now I look up to the challenge with Anaheim."

However, a trade that once appeared to be a done deal was never finalized and the Cubs reportedly pulled the offer even though Marmol waived his no-trade clause, agreeing to go to Anaheim. Haren would have been a perfect addition for an organization that is starved for starting pitching.

Even Cubs pitcher Matt Garza believed Marmol was traded to the Angels, tweeting: Gonna be tough to replace a closer like Marmol, for sure! But adding another horse to the stable gives us innings we sorely need!

Marmol is entering the final year of his contract and is owed $9.8 million. Haren, 32, posted a 12-13 record and 4.33 ERA with the Angels in 2012. Haren has a $15.5 million club option for 2013 with a $3.5 million buyout.

Marmol, 30, saved 20 games for the Cubs this season with a 3.42 ERA. During his seven-year Cubs career he has recorded 115 saves.

-- Meghan Montemurro

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